As pet owners, we all want our furry friends to stay healthy and happy. However, accidents happen, and our pets can get injured or sick unexpectedly. Knowing how to administer basic first aid to your pets can make all the difference in an emergency situation.

In this article, we will discuss some common pet injuries and how to handle them.

1. Bleeding

External bleeding is one of the most common injuries in pets. Whether your pet is at home or outside, there is a possibility of injury and bleeding. If you encounter external bleeding, the first step is to apply direct pressure to the bleeding site.

Keep pressing for at least 10 minutes. If the bleeding does not stop, you can use a hemostatic bandage to wrap the area about 5 cm above the bleeding site. Seek veterinary care immediately after treatment.

2. Trauma

Most of the injuries suffered by pets are relatively minor traumas, but wounds are susceptible to infection. Surface wounds require compression hemostasis treatment, followed by cleaning and bandaging.

Deep wounds require cold compresses to the wound first, and compression hemostasis treatment at the same time. If there is contamination or debris in the wound, it is best to wash with plenty of normal salines or a balanced electrolyte solution and seek medical attention immediately after treatment.

3. Fractures

Pets, especially restless ones, are prone to fractures. If your pet breaks a bone, avoid touching it vigorously. First, ensure safety and put headgear on the pet.

If there is bleeding, stop the bleeding without causing more damage, always pay attention to avoid shock symptoms, and immediately send it to the veterinary hospital.

4. Difficulty Breathing

Pets, especially dogs, can choke or suffocate while eating. If a dog chokes, it will shake its head and scratch its mouth with its forelegs. At this time, remain calm, put the dog's head down, and lift its hind legs like a lawnmower.

If necessary, open the dog's mouth, and if you see a blockage, pull it out directly. Make fists with both hands, compress the abdomen forward, and push forward until the blockage is spat out (Heimlich maneuver). During the rescue process, urgently seek a pet hospital to avoid a more urgent situation.

5. Stop Breathing

If your pet stops breathing, lay it on the right side in a flat place, touch the left chest, and carefully feel the pet's heartbeat. If there is still a heartbeat, but breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration as soon as possible.

Open your pet's mouth and blow directly into its nose (remember it’s the nose, not the mouth) until the ribcage is open, repeating 12 to 15 times per minute.

6. Poisoning

If your pet loses consciousness by eating poisonous items, go to the veterinarian as soon as possible, and carry the suspicious poison and its packaging with you, so that the pet doctor can find out the poison and prescribe the right medicine.

7. Shock

During shock, animals often have abnormal breathing and dilated pupils. For example, in hemorrhagic shock, stop the bleeding first. If there are no obvious symptoms, flatten the pet's body first and take emergency measures before emergency medical treatment.

Pet owners should have some relevant knowledge of pet first aid, which can save your pet’s life at a critical time. Knowing how to handle common pet injuries and illnesses can make a huge difference in an emergency situation.

However, remember that first aid is not a substitute for veterinary care. Always seek veterinary attention as soon as possible after providing basic first aid to your pet.